Forensic age determination of human inflicted porcine bruises inflicted within 10 h prior to slaughter by application of gene expression signatures

In conclusion, mRNA expression profiles can assist in estimating the age of bruises. However, when applying gene expression signatures in forensic cases the age estimate should be interpreted together with histological manifestations. Subcutaneous tissue must be stabilized hours after the bruises are detected in order to obtain mRNA of a sufficient quality.